These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. (1 Tim 3:1-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091625.cfm
The requirements for bishops and deacons are fascinating, especially since women are included in the ministry of deacon. Obviously, the church changed the requirements at a later time and perhaps one day will change them again. Saint Cornelius (d. 253) and Saint Cyprian (210-258) were good friends and though they died on different dates and locations are considered companion martyrs. Today's photo is of my friend Father Cyprian Davis, OSB (1930-2015).
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (Jn 19:25-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091525.cfm
In the USA this feast naturally follows the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Today’s remarkable scene beneath the Cross captures every heart with its tenderness. O sweet Mother! font of love, Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with yours accord. https://youtu.be/ZprSwDeckKo?si=WSdVHdvif3P0g4xl
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (Jn 3:13-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm
God’s wondrous love for us is revealed in the Cross of the Lord. There used to be two feasts of the Holy Cross in the liturgical calendar. With the reform of the liturgy, conferences of bishop were allowed to choose which one to keep. The USA chose September 14 while Latin America chose May 3. https://youtu.be/HFIVw0-Kcuk?si=uWF7hrZ0f-nkKw4Y
To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim 1:15-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm
Saint John Chrysostom was archbishop of Constantinople and one of the greatest preachers of the church. The emperor and his wife were in his parish. The empress and her friends wanted to gussy up the church with silk vestments and golden chalices. Saint John Chrysostom gave the following sermon: “Give God the honor prescribed in God’s law by giving your riches to the poor. For God does not want golden vessels but golden hearts.” The empress got him exiled. Today’s picture is of Hagia Sophia, the cathedral church of Saint John Chrysostom. Today’s hymn is from the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. https://youtu.be/oJ6of7ViJ5w?si=JyStagpS-pcnmLSX
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm
The Letters to Timothy, as well as the Letter to Titus, are written in Saint Paul’s name. The three letters are called the Pastoral Epistles because they address the problems of the church and its ministries in a later age and reveal some of the challenges that the early Christian communities faced. Today we honor the name of the Virgin Mary from whom we received our Savior.
